Talk to Your Doctor about Rotavirus and RotaTeq® (Rotavirus Vaccine, Live, Oral, Pentavalent)

Information on RotaTeq for health care professionals

Talking With Your Child's Doctor About Rotavirus and RotaTeq

It is important that you talk with your doctor or health care professional so that you know the facts about rotavirus and what you can do to help protect your baby. During your baby's first well visits, ask your doctor or health care professional about RotaTeq.

Infants and young children are at risk for infection (rotavirus), and there is no way reliable way to tell who will have a serious case.

When talking with your doctor or health care professional, be sure to ask any questions you may have about rotavirus and the vaccine, RotaTeq.

»	Learn more how rotavirus occurs

»	Download the educational brochure [PDF: 744KB, 2 pages]

When to Vaccinate
Your doctor or health care professional can give the first dose of RotaTeq to your baby starting as early as 6 weeks of age. The third dose should be given before 32 weeks (8 months) of age. RotaTeq is not a shot—it is 3 oral doses.

What You Should Tell Your Doctor Before Your Child Gets RotaTeq
There are some things your doctor or health care professional should know before your child gets the vaccine. You should tell your doctor or health care professional if your child:
•	Has any illness with fever. A mild fever or cold by itself is not a reason to delay taking the vaccination
•	Has diarrhea or has been vomiting
•	Has not been gaining weight
•	Is not growing as expected
•	Has a blood disorder
•	Has any type of cancer
•	Has a weak immune system because of a disease (this includes HIV/AIDS)
•	Gets treatment or takes medicines that may weaken the immune system (such as high doses of steroids) or has received a blood transfusion or blood products within the past 42 days
•	Was born with gastrointestinal problems, or has had a blockage or abdominal surgery
•	Has regular close contact with a member of the family or household who has a weakened immune system. For example, a person in the house with cancer or one who is taking medicines that may weaken their immune system

Who Should Not Receive RotaTeq
Your child should not get the vaccine if:
•	He or she had an allergic reaction after getting a dose of this vaccine
•	He or she is allergic to any of the ingredients of the vaccine. A list of ingredients can be found at the end of the Patient Product Information

If You Have More Questions
Now you know about rotavirus and what you can do to help protect your baby. During your baby's first well visits, ask your doctor or health care professional about RotaTeq. For a list of questions to take with you to your doctor or health care professional, click here.


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This site is intended only for residents of the United States, its territories, and Puerto Rico.
RotaTeq is a registered trademark of Merck & Co., Inc.
20750349(1)-11/07-RTQ